001 gives you the first and best look at the 2008 Mercedes GL and ML550

001 gives you the first and best look at the 2008 Mercedes GL and ML550
Today, the new Mercedes-Benz GL550 and ML550 models are making their driving debut at an event here for the news media. The high-technology 5.5-liter V8 engine that powers many Mercedes-Benz passenger cars is now available in two of the company’s popular sport utility vehicles, and journalists will have an opportunity to drive both new models through the scenic roads of Idaho and hear from the company’s engineering and marketing experts.



Just now available at dealerships, the fully equipped GL550 is joining the award-winning seven-passenger GL450, the first full-size SUV from Mercedes-Benz, and the recently introduced diesel-powered GL320 CDI model. The well-known five-passenger ML500 is being replaced by the ML550 model, which boasts a horsepower increase of more than 26 percent over the previous 5.0-liter V8.



EL34EL34 - 8/7/2007 8:23:26 PM
+8 Boost
Agent 001, thank you for this oustanding video on this outstanding SUV.

I will buy a GL550 in 2008.


TauronB2GTauronB2G - 8/7/2007 8:33:24 PM
-1 Boost
I rather like the ML550. The GL is just too big for me though. The new grill on the GL is hideous though. Kinda has that Honda CR-V smile thing going.
T


audirevolutionaudirevolution - 8/7/2007 8:46:14 PM
-1 Boost
Agreed, the old grill on the GL was much better.



SupraNeverBackSupraNeverBack - 8/7/2007 8:53:56 PM
-8 Boost
holy crap, that is a huge steer wheel on the front grill, which is the only thing worth to mention for this poser.



Threepoint1415926Threepoint1415926 - 8/7/2007 8:55:20 PM
+5 Boost
Well done 001, hope you enjoyed scenic Idaho.


HantraHantra - 8/7/2007 9:09:47 PM
-4 Boost
It's just too bad this is built in Alabama. I find it simply astonishing that there can be a massive difference between a vehicle built in Alabama, and one built in South Carolina. But one drive back to back in the X5, and any of the 'Bama Benzes will set you straight.

If not, try and drive an ML with 30k miles on it versus an X5 with 100k.


carmogulcarmogul - 8/8/2007 6:52:59 PM
+2 Boost
I'll have to disagree with you ErichHartmann on the quality issue. I failed to mentioned that the ESP light came on and I took it to a MB dealership. They ordered the part indicated by the code pull from the computer (part took a week to come in), installed it and a few miles later the ESP light reared its yellow glow again. Drop the electronics, they are more hassle than help!


enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 8/7/2007 9:19:14 PM
+3 Boost
if i were in the market for a large SUV (which i'm not because i don't need it), this would be top of my list.

looks great, fantastic engine, incredibly spacious interior and all the performance and comfort technology.

nice job mercedes.


Threepoint1415926Threepoint1415926 - 8/9/2007 2:18:23 PM
+1 Boost
That was the gas, not the diesel. They werent just cruising along as you say. They were going up a serious hill. I know, because I know that particular stretch of road. Further, you should know because of the double right lane verses the single left followed by a seriously slow logger. And being 001 and friend, I'm pretty sure they were taking that hill at some serious speeds. Hill + Speed = Revs + Throttle.


bigTYMEbigTYME - 8/7/2007 10:18:19 PM
+4 Boost
That badge is freakin huge. I can see a 20" Cadillac emblem on the Escalade coming soon.


pchera01pchera01 - 8/7/2007 10:31:33 PM
+5 Boost
GL320 and ML 320 should sell good
30mpg sounds pretty good
I would like to buy one, my Armada is killing me


LexusKindaGuy12LexusKindaGuy12 - 8/8/2007 12:01:10 AM
+1 Boost
eww whose foot on the dash. that is such a bleh thing to do. lol


TauronB2GTauronB2G - 8/8/2007 12:27:20 AM
0 Boost
I saw that too...who does that type of thing?
T


HyundaiHyundai - 8/8/2007 1:11:20 AM
-1 Boost
Yea, that was RAUNCHY! Did anybody else catch the handsome 07 Tundra right after the foot/paw incident?


LexusKindaGuy12LexusKindaGuy12 - 8/8/2007 12:34:03 AM
0 Boost
it would be ten times worse if that was a girls foot. so classless.


HyundaiHyundai - 8/8/2007 1:12:48 AM
0 Boost
Nice CR-V grille on that GL 550, btw. I am surprised that not many others has brought that up. If this were a Japanese car, all hell would be breaking loose on the whole, "see! the japs are stealing again!", cliche.


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 8/8/2007 1:40:39 AM
-2 Boost
GL550 looks terrible- GL450 is far more tasteful and has adequate power, as does the GL302 CDI, but with way better mileage.


JUGNUJUGNU - 8/8/2007 5:20:14 AM
-3 Boost
agree with u hyundai,If this were a Japanese car, these german fans would be unstoppable

and they didn't like GX570.

Grille looks like Audi's.Massively ugly

I'll take RR Sport or Escalade over this.
OMG Even Tahoe looks better than this Jumbo ML

JUGNU


RupertRupert - 8/8/2007 7:19:07 AM
0 Boost
What the hell is up with the grill???
We have the GL550 in Europe but it doesn't have that grill...it's a monstrosity.


EnnNorakEnnNorak - 8/8/2007 1:57:30 PM
-1 Boost
I disagree with you Rupert. I like that new grille. It looks very modern and more agressive. Even my wife likes the new grille which was a surprise to me but it allowed me to place the new C300 4MATIC on our shopping list as a last resort. The 2008 Subaru Forester 2.5XT is a more pracical vehicle for us. I like station wagons and my wife wants a small SUV. My wife thinks that Forester is an SUV and I think it's a tall station wagon so we are both happy with that choice.


M53RM53R - 8/8/2007 1:13:56 PM
+1 Boost
Thank you Agent001 for the great review :)


EnnNorakEnnNorak - 8/8/2007 1:52:05 PM
-1 Boost
There is one thing that I absolutely hate about European cars and that is the way they hike up the price on cars which have more cylinders or more engine displacement. it's another form of blackmail marketing where slightly more well-off customer are gouged for the extra power they crave even though the stronger engine does not cost all that much extra to produce. Domestic manufacturers don't do that-- they charge you a reasonable incremental price for an incrementally stronger engine.


Threepoint1415926Threepoint1415926 - 8/9/2007 2:35:52 PM
+1 Boost
You mean like the Ford F250 with it's $5K diesel engine? If you do the calculations, base F250 vs F250 Diesel is about 20% difference while base ML350 vs ML550 is only about 16% and GL320 CDI vs GL550 is 31% difference but includes all the available options. Seems pretty fair to me. I mean, compared to American cars like you point out...


carmogulcarmogul - 8/8/2007 6:43:55 PM
0 Boost
The GL 2.0 looks and sounds great. I just purchased a GL450 at an auction in St. Louis and drove it back to Atlanta. It had a nice highway drive - comfortable seats, good power and average fuel economy (average 19 mpg over 560 miles). Just sold it to a dentist in South Carolina. Unfortunately for her the vehicle is now obsolete after its first year on the market - enter the GL550. Mercedes should have done better by their customers and just put out the 550 first!


Threepoint1415926Threepoint1415926 - 8/9/2007 2:39:44 PM
+1 Boost
I dont see why its obsolete, just another engine option.... Variety is the spice of life and for $20K difference, I can understand why the 450 is still on the market or is it being phased out? I just cant wait to see what they put the 450 in next... C450 anyone?


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